Muscat: In 2024, the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), a prominent venue in the region, is anticipating the arrival of more than 16 international and regional events.
The OCEC has established itself as the top venue in Oman by successfully attracting large-scale events of global and regional significance, contributing significantly to the economic development of the Sultanate of Oman. This year, the OCEC has already hosted several noteworthy events, including the Middle East Space Conference, the International Occupational Health Summit, and the General Arab Insurance Federation Conference, drawing in numerous visitors to its exceptional convention center. In the upcoming months, the OCEC will play host to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) World Congress, the International Investment Forum, and the annual Green Hydrogen Summit, a prominent regional event focused on the transition to green energy.
Eng. Said Al Shanfari, the CEO of the OCEC, expresses his confidence in the venue's growth for 2024 while attending ITB Berlin's MICE track. He highlights three strategic drivers for this year: sustainability, digitalization, and inclusivity. The OCEC aims to transform its venue into a space that caters to all, investing in the right technologies and creating new opportunities for event organizers and visitors alike. A major project in 2024 will focus on making the OCEC a sustainable venue in the region through an innovative solar panel initiative. Eng. Said Al Shanfari expresses gratitude to the local associations for their support in attracting international events to Oman, ensuring that the OCEC maintains its status as a premier venue in the region.
Following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the OCEC has experienced an exceptional rebound, with approximately 1.5 million visitors welcomed at the Centre in 2023. This represents a significant 25% increase compared to the figures from 2022.
In 2023, the OCEC, being a global platform, welcomed guests from more than 90 nations, thereby affirming Oman's prominence on both regional and international platforms. This notable surge in visitors is a testament to the increasing trust and admiration for the acclaimed venue and Oman as a favored choice for hosting business tourism events.
